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- Title
The influence of soil moisture on convective activity: a review.
- Authors
Liu, Weicheng; Zhang, Qiang; Li, Chenrui; Xu, Lili; Xiao, Wei
- Abstract
Soil moisture (SM) influences the initiation and development of convective systems and consequently the generation and development of precipitation through land–air interaction. Understanding and identifying the underlying mechanism responsible for this influence are of critical significance for improving forecasting of convection. This study summarizes the influences of SM on the formation, propagation, and development of convective systems. The heterogeneous distribution of SM will cause differences in the heating of planetary boundary layer (PBL), and then form a mesoscale circulation similar to "sea-land breeze," which will further affect the formation of convective activities. The influence of SM on the initiation of convection is often expressed as positive feedback. Convective systems are mostly generated on wetter soils. However, in several other cases, they also appear as negative feedback. Mature convective systems will increase over wetter soils in most areas, but convective activities tend to intensify when they move to areas with drier soil in special climatic and topographical areas. In addition, the complexity and uncertainty of the influence of SM on convective activity are analyzed. Finally, some key scientific challenges requiring immediate attention are listed. Future research should further explore the mechanisms behind the influence of SM on convection and develop analytical methods to study this relationship. There should be a focus on studying the relationship between SM and convection for sensitive areas and across different synoptic forcing types to gain deeper insight into how and why SM influences convective activity and to provide theoretical support for improving forecasts of atmospheric convection.
- Subjects
SOIL moisture; ATMOSPHERIC boundary layer; SOIL wetting; SOIL drying; SYSTEMS development
- Publication
Theoretical & Applied Climatology, 2022, Vol 149, Issue 1/2, p221
- ISSN
0177-798X
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1007/s00704-022-04046-z